|
|
| Q: |
Who do I contact to question a Facilities charge that appears on my statement? |
| A: |
If
you are questioning the reason for a charge which appears on your statement
please call 785-6064. Have a copy of your statement available as it identifies
unique FF&A tracking numbers that will expedite our research. Should
you require numerous inquiries; we ask that you fax a copy of your statement
to 737-2848 (Attn: Business Office) with a note explaining what information
you are requesting. |
| Q: |
What
does FC&R do?
|
| A: |
FC&R
orchestrates the project process to meet the goals and requirements of
users, the Yale School of Medicine, and outside regulators within a framework
of consistent quality, cost and schedule control. PM intermediates among
YSM stakeholders - departments, administration, building services, fire
marshal, environmental health and safety; outside entities - regulatory
agencies, New Haven Building and Fire Departments; design professionals
- architects and engineers; constructors; vendors; occupants of buildings;
and the University. |
| Q: |
How is a construction or renovation project initiated?
How do I get an estimate to do a project? |
| |
|
| A: |
To
initiate a project you should contact YSM FC&R at 785-3802
and provide a description of the work you seek to do and the location.
The
project
will be triaged and forwarded to a member of the FC&R staff so it
can be formulated. Formulation consists of your meeting with a staff
member to clarify and document the scope of your proposed
project. An agreed upon plan is drawn up that describes the work of the
project. The schedule and budget required to implement
the project will be determined and a formal formulation response will
be sent to you outlining the scope, schedule and budget. If you desire
to implement the project and funding is identified the project will go
in the que for implementation.
|
| Q: |
Why does a construction or renovation project cost so much? |
| A: |
Projects at YSM tend be expensive because they: are small and complex with design and construction management costs spread over a narrow base; require a high concentration of labor intense construction - power, ventilation, plumbing, telecommunications; are densely planned to maximize space use; are built in older buildings with challenging infrastructure; must respond to many regulatory requirements; require institutional quality long-life components; and are often built in operating buildings that require working around ongoing research or clinical activities. The current overheated construction market compounds the impact of these factors. |
| Q: |
Why does it take so long to complete a project? |
| A: |
In order to complete a successful project (one which fully meets the needs of the user at a reasonable cost and in a reasonable time frame) the appropriate time for design and construction must be available.
|
| |
DESIGN: There must be careful planning to ensure the project scope is accounted for and documented for accurate bidding. The design must be in compliance with Federal and State standards and codes as well as Yale University and Medical School standards. The design must interface with existing building systems and not disrupt adjacent occupants. This careful planning requires a reasonable amount of time to avoid mistakes and increased costs. Adequate documentation avoids mistakes and misunderstandings in the field. |
| |
BIDDING AND CONSTRUCTION: : Accurate competitive pricing requires 3 to 4 weeks to allow for competitive bidding. In addition, it is required that all the construction contracts be in place prior to work being performed. Once bid, the construction process often involves many steps not always readily apparent to the outside observer. For example, much mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment often have a long lead times that must be worked into the schedule Many components require shop drawings to be produced and approved prior to fabrication. Work must occur in a logical and efficient sequence. This sequence is well thought out and orchestrated to move as quickly as possible but the work cannot happen all at once. In addition, the Medical School presents particular challenges as most of the work is built in occupied buildings. Construction must take place around ongoing research or clinical activities. This can translate into less than efficient schedules and much off hour work. |
| Q: |
Why can't I add additional scope to my project if there are extra funds available in the project at the end? |
| A: |
All capital projects are required to be approved by the Yale University approval body, Capital Project Management Group. The approval is for a specified scope, schedule and budget. (Scope encompasses the extent of activity required in the project.) Since the project scope is one of the parameters of the project that is approved, we are not at liberty to alter the scope beyond what is stated in the approval for the project. |
| Q: |
Why can't a department run a new construction or renovation project by itself? |
| A: |
Experience
strongly shows that seemingly straightforward, simple projects almost
always involve many issues with wider impact and implications than apparent.
Such matters as building codes, fire safety codes, Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) compliance, radiation safety, asbestos and lead abatement,
dust control, impact on building systems and occupants, and design considerations
require knowledge and procedures best provided by experienced professionals. |
Who do I contact to question a Facilities charge
